Why are helicopter crashes dangerous after impact?

• A. Main rotors may continue turning, but the tail rotor stops.
• B. Only land-based hazards matter.
• C. The helicopter is safe to approach immediately.
• D. Main and tail rotors may continue turning, and uneven terrain/high winds can put people closer to blades.

Answer: (D)

Rotors can keep turning after a crash due to their inertia, so the main rotor and tail rotor may still be spinning even when the helicopter is on the ground or power is off. That moving blades present a serious injury risk to anyone nearby. Add in uneven terrain and gusty winds, which can cause the helicopter to shift or settle in unpredictable ways, bringing people closer to the spinning blades or altering their position relative to the blade arcs. Together, these factors make the area around a crashed helicopter dangerous until the rotors are confirmed to be stopped and the scene is secured.